Jasper County Supervisor Candidate Q&A: Thad Nearmyer

Name: Thad Nearmyer

Age: 56

Residence: Monroe

Occupation: Farming

Office seeking: Jasper County Supervisor

1. Introduce/Reintroduce yourself to voters and explain why you are running.

Nearmyer: My name is Thad Nearmyer and I’m running for Jasper County Supervisor. I’m running for the seat that was originally Denny Carpenter’s and is currently held by Denny Stevenson. My wife Jodi and I live two miles north of Monroe where we feed hogs and have a cow-calf herd with my brother Todd. I have been chair of the Jasper County Republican Party for over eight years where we have seen unprecedented success in electing Republican candidates. Republican voter registration numbers have dramatically increased during my tenure as county chair. I’ve served on the Jasper County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for 25 years. During this time I’ve held leadership positions including treasurer, vice-president and president. Currently, I’m serving as voting delegate. From 2002 to 2010, I worked at Principal Financial Group in individual annuities where I oversaw a team of folks processing annuity applications. At PFG I was given opportunities to sharpen my leadership skills. I’m running for a seat on the board of supervisors because I can bring my record of teambuilding and collaboration to Jasper County.

2. Secondary roads maintenance is always on the minds of residents who drive on gravel roads. How do you feel about what the county has done for gravel roads? Are there any solutions or strategies you would propose?

Nearmyer: I live on a gravel road, and the concerns rural folks have about their roads are very important to me. I understand that modern farm machinery has increased in size. There are more semi-trucks on the gravel roads than ever before. Each road has its own characteristics. Some drain water better than others. That being said, I believe the county has made great strides in the past several years. Since 2019, the county recognized there was a serious problem with the gravel roads and made them a priority and is working to continually improve the situation. Gravel roads will never be perfect nor will everyone always be happy with their road. I want rural residents to know that I will strive to continue to make improvements to the county’s roads.

3. For the past few months the county has been holding town hall meetings about the proposed $6.4 million bond vote featured on the ballot this coming November. What are your thoughts on the bond and project? Are you in favor of it or not?

Nearmyer: Usually I cringe whenever I hear that a government body wants to bond for any given project. I encourage everyone to do their own research regarding the Liberty Avenue Bond Project. This bond will include a training facility for the sheriff’s department and housing for the ALS program, replacing the county road department maintenance building and new classrooms and maintenance buildings for the conservation department. I’ve toured the county maintenance facility in Newton. The building was built in the 1930s for equipment of that time. It’s no longer a sufficient facility for modern day equipment. The concrete is crumbling into the area where the county employees eat their lunch. I believe now is the time to complete these long-term projects.

4. Paramedic-certified staff at the sheriff’s office have responded to emergency calls throughout the county and assisting smaller EMS providers. How do you feel about the advanced life support program? What should its role be?

Nearmyer: I was on the ARPA committee that voted to utilize these funds for the ALS program. It’s increasingly difficult for smaller departments to have qualified personnel on staff around the clock. The ALS ambulance crew is dispatched to calls to most areas of Jasper County outside of Newton. I’m fully supportive of this program. With this program, we can support the smaller town departments to enhance the level of care to those in their time of need. This is a program Jasper County residents can be proud of.

5. Property taxes and growing assessments continue to be an issue for residents. How should the county respond to these concerns? What would you like to see be done to help residents better understand property taxes?

Nearmyer: Farmland owners understand very well the burden of increased property taxes. Property taxes are my most despised form of taxation. You may pay off a piece of property, but you’re never done paying for it because property taxes continue forever. Regardless of how much I dislike them, property taxes fund our roads, schools and emergency services and other services. Unless there is a seismic legislative shift in how government is funded, we will continue to fund it with property taxes. People should investigate where their tax dollars go. Cities and school districts also utilize a portion of your property tax dollars.

6. What sort of things is the county is good at and should continue doing? What are things you think the county can improve upon?

Nearmyer: Jasper County has done a great job of keeping the levy rate low. I want to work with the current board to keep the levy as low as possible. While running for this office I’ve met with each of the elected officials and department heads. I believe Jasper County has a great team of leaders heading up their respective departments. These people have a vast amount of knowledge and experience. Meeting with them has certainly been a worthwhile exercise. I have learned a lot of valuable information. As previously stated, gravel roads will always be a work in progress. We will always be looking for ways to improve upon our roads and bridges.

7. Despite Jasper County’s adjacency to Polk County, it is still a relatively rural region. How do you feel the county should respond to future developments? Are there rural characteristics you feel the county should preserve?

Nearmyer: As a rural resident involved in agriculture, it’s important to me that we understand the importance of raising crops and livestock in Jasper County and the impact agriculture has on our local economy. We also must work to find ways to bring business and industry to the county to provide jobs and grow the tax base. I’d like to see future housing developments directed towards existing communities. Each of Jasper County’s communities have something to offer. I want to see them grow and prosper.

8. Any final comments you’d like to make to voters?

Nearmyer: I want to keep property taxes low, continue to improve roads and make sure emergency services are properly funded. I will collaborate with city councils across the county to find projects that will benefit all involved. I’ll bring the work ethic I learned on the farm to the courthouse and I promise I’ll always do my best for all Jasper County residents. I’m asking for your vote on Nov. 5!